How to Get a Personal Licence in Scotland

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change, so check with your local Licensing Board before you apply.

Before you start: the basic requirements

Under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, a Licensing Board can grant a personal licence if you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Hold an accredited licensing qualification, which is the SCPLH
• Have not had a personal licence revoked in the 5 years before your application

The Board will also send your application to Police Scotland, who can report relevant or foreign offences.

Step 1: Prepare for the SCPLH

The SCPLH exam covers licensing law, the five licensing objectives, licence types, protecting children, responsible retailing and offences. Most people find it easier to pass if they study first.

Our online SCPLH preparation course covers these topics in about 5 hours for £30 + VAT. You can retake the course quiz as many times as you like and earn two course certificates. Please note our certificates are not the accredited SCPLH and cannot be used on their own to apply for a licence.

Step 2: Pass the accredited SCPLH exam

Book the accredited SCPLH exam through an approved centre of an awarding body. The exam is a 40 question multiple choice paper. Some centres offer it in a classroom and some offer an online exam with remote invigilation.

When you pass, you receive your SCPLH certificate from the awarding body. Keep it safe, because the Licensing Board will ask for it. You can read more about how the accredited SCPLH exam works.

Step 3: Apply to your local Licensing Board

You apply to the Licensing Board for the area where you live, not where you work. Applications usually include:

• The completed personal licence application form
• Your accredited SCPLH certificate
• Passport style photographs, with one signed on the back by a suitable person
• The application fee, which is £50 at the time of writing
• Any extra documents your Board asks for, such as a basic disclosure

Many Boards publish their forms and guidance on their council website. Our site is not linked to any Licensing Board, so always use the Board's own forms.

Step 4: After your licence is granted

Once granted, a personal licence lasts for 10 years and can then be renewed. You need to:

• Tell the Licensing Board if you change your name or address
• Tell the Board about any relevant convictions
• Keep your licence document safe and available when you are working as a premises manager

Keep up with the refresher

This is the step people most often forget. You must complete the SCPLH refresher within 5 years of the date your licence was issued, then send evidence to your Licensing Board no later than 3 months after that 5 year point. If you miss it, the Board must revoke your licence. Read our SCPLH refresher guide for the details.

FAQs